Volume: 5 Issue: 2
Year: 2017, Page: 3-7,
Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections is a serious public health problem in most of the regions of the world, especially in developing countries, and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children and among high-risk groups.
Materials & Methods :In this retrospective study we have analyzed the results of stool samples received in Department of Microbiology over a period of three years i.e. from January 2013 to December 2015. Available clinical details were noted. Data so obtained was analyzed
Results : Out of the total 2136 samples prevalence of intestinal infections was 17.5%. Protozoal cysts or trophozoites were detected in 89.0% and Helminthes were detected in 17.9% positive samples. Giardia lamblia was the most common protozoa and Hymenolepis nana was the most common helminth found. Parasitosis was seen more in female (18.9%) than male (16.5%). In our study, 89.5% samples had single parasite, 8.8% had two parasites and 1.6% samples contained 3 or more parasites. Diarrhoea/loose motions, abdominal discomfort/pain and anemia were some of the most common clinical symptoms of patients in the study followed by loss of weight and pruritus.
Conclusion :Intestinal parasitic infection is a major problem in our area. No such study has been conducted from Mewat till date. Findings of this study will help in formulating prevention strategies in this particular region in addition to adding to the existing literature.
Keywords: Intestinal infection, Parasites, Public health problem, Helminthes, protozoa, stool specimen
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